TEENAGER Harriet Satori has brought home a haul of medals from the European Dragon Boat Championships in Rome.

Harriet, 15, from Bracknell, trains weekly with her local club The Hurricanes, and was selected for the national GB team with five other Bracknell paddlers.

After receiving funding from the Shanly Foundation, Harriet competed in the 12th annual Dragon Boat racing event in Rome earlier this month and nabbed three gold and three bronze medals.

Harriet was inspired by her brother's success in the sport, winning four gold and a silver medal in the 2012 competition.

She said:“When he came home with all his medals I thought, I want to do that.”

After a series of three races over four days, team GB came out on top, achieving the fastest time in the mixed and open boat Under 24 categories.

Harriet said: “Ukraine and Sweden were our strongest competition throughout the event. The Swedish team in particular were heavily built – we look tiny compared to them! I was able to take part in the races both as a paddler and a drummer, which is really important for keeping the momentum of the team.

“I’d like to thank the Shanly Foundation for their support which helped me get to Rome and compete – I hope we made them proud! My next goal is to compete in the World’s competition next year which is being hosted in China!”

The Shanly Foundation support many local organizations including schools, community groups, sporting groups and registered charities, and even the men's quadruple sculls team at this year's Olympics.

Tamra Booth, Shanly Foundation trustee, said: “On behalf of the Shanly Foundation I want to extend our huge congratulations to Harriet and Team GB. This has been a fantastic summer of sport for Great Britain and we’re thrilled to have been able to help Harriet and other local athletes achieve their goals."